More power on tap and auto gearbox for the BRZ

Subaru Southern Africa has provided a bit more choice, plus some added power output oomph for prospective BRZ buyers. The local BRZ range has now been expanded with the addition of the 2.0 Sportshift 6-speed automatic derivative, which cost R10 000 more than the manual at R399 900, offering paddle shifters as an added bonus.

Additionally, Subaru now fits a performance exhaust system to all variants of the BRZ as standard to deliver an increased power output of 7 kW compared to previous iterations as well as its sister model - the Toyota 86. The normally-aspirated 2-litre four-cylinder Boxer petrol engine now produces 154 kW at 7000 RPM and 205 Nm between 6400 and 6600 RPM.

For those who lieben their autos

Things have been busy on the Opel front of late, with fanboys seeing the Astra sedan range being locally introduced, along with a limited edition Opel Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition.

Over the course of the last week it was the turn of Opel’s Meriva to hit the PR spotlight, courtesy of a new trailer (posted below). This trailer showcases the 2014 Meriva which seems to be packing a more sophisticated exterior and interior design. The car is expected to make its world premiere at the 2014 Brussels Motor Show which takes place between 16 and 26 January next year.

Mazda debuts stop start engine tech on CX-5

Mazda has introduced its smart idle stop system (SISS) on all models of the CX-5 crossover. This system aims to improve fuel economy by up to 10% within heavy traffic as well as in urban areas where the driver frequently stops at traffic lights and intersections. Like any conventional stop-start-system, SISS saves fuel by shutting down the vehicle’s engine automatically when the car is stationary, and then restarts it when the driver presses down on the accelerator pedal.

According to Mazda, SISS ensures that the engine will restart quickly in around half the time of other traditional electric motor idling stop systems. This tech assists the CX-5 2.0-litre petrol engine to lower its combined-cycle (town and highway driving) fuel usage figure to 6.8 litres per 100 km in manual guise and 6.9 litres per 100 km in the automatic version.

Lexus SA confirms local introduction of ES 250

Lexus South Africa has officially confirmed that it is expanding the local model range with the addition of the all-new ES 250 to the Lexus line-up during November. Toyota and Lexus fans will be able to cast an eye on this new model before its local launch during the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show (18 to 27 October at Nasrec Expo Centre) will be the first public outing for this model in South Africa.

Originally introduced in 1989, the Japanese-built ES is now in its sixth generation, with the latest iteration sporting Lexus’ bold new face and dramatically sculpted spindle grille. Other design enhancements include daytime running lights, short front and rear overhangs, and 17" alloy wheels.

When it comes to performance, the ES 250 is powered by a new 2.5 litre dual VVT-i twin-cam four-cylinder engine that delivers 135 kW at 6000 RPM and 235 Nm of torque at 4100 RPM. With the aid of its standard six-speed auto transmission, the Lexus ES 250 reaches 100 km/h from standstill in less than ten seconds and can exceed 200 km/h in terms of the top speed.

Buyers can also opt for the ES 300h if they require a bit more grunt from beneath the bonnet. This variant churns out a combined 151 kW and 213 Nm of torque from its 2.5 litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder powerplant that is supported by an electric motor. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes 8.5 seconds in the ES 300h, while the terminal velocity is 180 km/h.

In other motoring related news, check out our feature on Car Hacking and how it is no longer the realm of sci-fi movies and action TV series.